The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 06 (of 12)Burke, Edmund
Philosophy
The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 06 (of 12)
Burke, Edmund
Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1760-1820; Political science -- Early works to 1800
But _hae nugae seria ducunt in mala_. The conduct of the Regicide faction
is perfectly systematic in every particular, and it appears absurd only
as it is strange and uncouth, not as it has an application to the ends
and objects of their policy. When by insult after insult they have
rendered the character of sovereigns vile in the eyes of their
subjects, they know there is but one step more to their utter
destruction. All authority, in a great degree, exists in opinion: royal
authority most of all. The supreme majesty of a monarch cannot be allied
with contempt. Men would reason, not unplausibly, that it would be
better to get rid of the monarchy at once than to suffer that which was
instituted, and well instituted, to support the glory of the nation, to
become the instrument of its degradation and disgrace.
A good many reflections will arise in your Lordship's mind upon the time
and circumstances of that most insulting and atrocious declaration of
hostility against this kingdom. The declaration was made subsequent to
the noble lord's encomium on the new Regicide Constitution,--after the
pamphlet had made something more than advances towards a reconciliation
with that ungracious race, and had directly disowned all those who
adhered to the original declaration in favor of monarchy. It was even
subsequent to the unfortunate declaration in the speech from the throne
(which this pamphlet but too truly announced) of the readiness of our
government to enter into connections of friendship with that faction.
Here was the answer from the throne of Regicide to the speech from the
throne of Great Britain. They go out of their way to compliment General
Washington on the supposed rancor of his heart towards this country. It
is very remarkable, that they make this compliment of malice to the
chief of the United States, who had first signed a treaty of peace,
amity, and commerce with this kingdom. This radical hatred, according to
their way of thinking, the most recent, solemn compacts of friendship
cannot or ought not to remove. In this malice to England, as in the one
great comprehensive virtue, all other merits of this illustrious person
are entirely merged. For my part, I do not believe the fact to be so as
they represent it. Certainly it is not for Mr. Washington's honor as a
gentleman, a Christian, or a President of the United States, after the
treaty he has signed, to entertain such sentiments. I have a moral
assurance that the representation of the Regicide Directory is
absolutely false and groundless. If it be, it is a stronger mark of
their audacity and insolence, and still a stronger proof of the support
they mean to give to the mischievous faction they are known to nourish
there, to the ruin of those States, and to the end that no British
affections should ever arise in that important part of the world, which
would naturally lead to a cordial, hearty British alliance, upon the
bottom of mutual interest and ancient affection.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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